Reflexes/bodily processes are not psychological behaviors

The environment for an organism is the stimuli that the organism is sensing and responding in relation to

Psychological behavior: the impact the organism has on its environment, and the impact the environment has on the organism (reciprocal interaction)>> psychological event

Recording behavior:

• Defining target behavior: clear, observable actions

• Who (will do the observing), when, and where (natural/analogue, structured/unstructured)?

• Recording methods-- will determine the instruments used

  • Continuous recording

  • Time sampling

  • Interval recording

• Reducing reactivity (effect of the observer on the client)

  • Wait until the client becomes accustomed to the observer or to self-monitoring

  • If possible, use natural observers or record through things like cameras/observation windows

• Interobserver agreement (IOA): makes sure the target behavior is being recorded consistently and accurately

  • Aim for 80% or higher IOA

  • For frequency or duration (percent) recording, smaller number divided by bigger number-- use the same units!

  • Interval/time-sample recording: Agreement intervals divided by total intervals. Total agreement-- can only use intervals in which observer’s recordings totally agree

  • Total agreement often results in a higher IOA